26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities / Colleges / Institutions Meeting
ARF- HDUCIM
Day 01 – 23rd of January 2025
The 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defense Universities/Colleges/Institutions Meeting (ARF HDUCIM) officially commenced on 23rd January at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of a journey dedicated to exchanging information on the academic orientations of the respective defence educational institutions. General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU) was given the honour and privilege to host the event this year. Leaders of defence educational establishments of ASEAN countries attended at the meeting. The forum contained 03 main sessions and several bilateral meetings aiming to foster collaboration and mutual learning among defence education institutions worldwide.
This year, the meeting carried the theme “Defence Education in an Era of Transition”, reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by defence education systems in an increasingly complex global security environment. The meeting also included the subthemes: “Influence of Critical Technologies on Defence Leadership”, “Responding to Climate Change and Systemic Risks” and “Achieving Energy Security through an Integrated Response to Energy Transitions” allowing the participants to share their experiences on security education and research and other relevant areas to enhance mutual understanding and resolutions.
Hon Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K.P Aruna Jayasekera (Retd) WWV, RSP, VSV, USP, ndc, psc graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the inauguration of Day 01 of the meeting and made the keynote address highlighting the importance of gaining access to this important mechanism in the ASEAN as it represents one of the key sectoral bodies under the purview of ASEAN Political Security Council while emphasizing this year’s main theme of the meeting.
Secretary of Ministry of Defense, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV, RWP and two Bars, RSP and Bar, USP, findu (China), psc, Mr. Harsha Vithanaarachchi, Additional Secretary – Defence, Director General of Southeast Asia and Central Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Air Marshal RAUP Rajapaksa- RSP and two Bars, VSV, USP, reds, psc, Commander of the Sri Lanka Airforce, Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya-Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka) and General SHS Kottegoda (Retd) WWV RWP RSP VSV- chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University were in presence, alongside the Chairman of the meeting, Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara, VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc,(DS), the Co-Chairman – Vice Rector of Cambodian National Defence University – Lt Gen Mony Var at the opening ceremony.
Session one of the forum was conducted on day one under the sub-theme of “Influence of Critical Technologies on Defence Leadership” Session one emphasizes that the influence of critical technologies is reshaping Defence education, requiring leaders to adapt to global-scale disruptions. Revolutionary advancements in AI, autonomous weapon systems, and network-centric combat are driving research, collaborations, and the transformation of supply chains. Defence institutions must prioritize knowledge-sharing and innovative approaches to address these rapid changes. As critical technologies become focal points of competition and rivalry, Defence diplomacy emerges as a vital tool for ensuring peace and stability amidst ongoing turbulence. This forum emphasizes the importance of equipping Defence leaders to navigate these challenges effectively.
Throughout the day, delegates from various countries, including Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand shared insightful presentations on topics of regional significance. Also, delegations from Australia, Timor-Leste and Indonesia were in presence at the meeting. These sessions collectively illuminated the evolving landscape of defence leadership in an era of rapid technological and strategic transformation. Enabling knowledge-sharing and strategic alignment among member states.
The bilateral meetings in the afternoon allowed for focused interactions, strengthening partnerships and addressing mutual concerns. The day’s proceedings concluded with an official dinner, celebrating the spirit of unity and cooperation that underpins the ASEAN Regional Forum.
The meticulous organization by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka ensured a seamless and productive day. With such meaningful exchanges, the Forum continues to play a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the capabilities of defence education institutions across the region.
